Prior to buying a Recognition Express franchise, Alex Newman had worked for the company for six years.
Nigel Toplis – Managing Director, Recognition Express
“When you go into a franchise, you need to be sure it’s a business you can trust, with a proven track record. With Recognition Express you can be part of a major success story.”
Before you go into a franchise be sure it is one you can trust and with a proven track record:
- bfa Franchise of the Year 2003
- Over 30 years’ experience and profitability
- Top Franchise Owners sales over £1million
- Year on year growth
- Full member of the bfa since 1980
- Europe’s number one industry provider
It is unusual for a franchisee to have inside knowledge of a franchise prior to joining it, however when Alex Newman became a Recognition Express franchisee his six years’ experience of working for the company meant he had a unique understanding of the business.
“Before becoming a Recognition Express franchisee I was working for the franchisor as an IT manager and I was involved with the training of new franchisees,” explains Alex Newman. “Although I looked at other franchises, the fact that I had prior knowledge of Recognition Express was a major reason for me joining. I also liked the fact that the franchise is sales and marketing based with production and design work involved too.”
Recognition Express provides businesses with a wide variety of products including name badges, promotional items, corporate clothing and small signs. Franchisees can either produce the products themselves using state-of-the-art computerised equipment or sub-contract this element out and operate as sales and management hubs.
Despite having worked for the company, Alex underwent the same training as all new franchisees. “The training was excellent,” remembers Alex. “It covered every aspect of the job such as sales, marketing, accounts and finance, using the software and training on products.”
Since the launch of his first Recognition Express in Coventry in March 2005 Alex has had support from the franchisor whenever he needed it: “Due to my knowledge of the company I’ve not needed a lot of support, however I did get support on sourcing products and with accounts. I’ve also needed some help with sales and marketing, as I’d not really has much experience with that aspect. There is also a network of support among franchisees and we all try to help each other out when we can.”
With his last year turnover of £200,000 and having opened a second Recognition Express franchise in Warwick in July 2007 Alex is pleased with the way his business is going. “I really enjoy running my own business and being my own boss. Making money for myself and having the flexible hours that comes from working for yourself is great.”
Still building-up is franchises Alex advises those looking into franchising:
“Be prepare to work harder than when you were employed. Also make sure you check out the franchise before you sign-up, I was lucky to have inside knowledge because it is important to know what you’re getting into.”
Sir Bernard Ingham, bfa President
“I have always found Recognition Express to be a model franchise. It is an outstanding example of a company which takes ethical franchising seriously. The benefits are shared by Recognition Express, its franchisees and its customers. And that is why it is successful.”
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